How to become a star
It is quite easy to become a star, they say. Work hard, be talented
and follow
your own calling, and luck will come your way. Of course, a producer will never be superfluous, as one cannot have too much money. But then, you need at least one more thing. In other words, a promoter!
An interesting question then arises: where to get one, especially if you are poor? Promoters and money come together, such is the general rule. Besides, you have to persuade him you’re worth something; what if you don’t know this yourself? The answer is simple: use the internet. Create your own Facebook account, get a twitter, a blog, or register on Myspace, fill them with the details about yourself as a performer, or tell about your group. Upload some of your songs, videos, or other works to a server, and share the links via social networks. Ask your followers to give a feedback. (If your songs are not good enough, they will tell you gladly). Give free gigs wherever possible. Sneak into large events, such as various festivals, charity concerts and other such things. You won’t get any money out of it, but it will gain you a name. There is one fine example of a record company starting in a hairdresser’s shop. 11 years ago young and not so famous Banky W together with a group of friends used to hang out around beauty parlors. He entered and asked politely, would be alright if he and the other boys performed in front of the customers, and they proceeded to do exactly that when they were allowed. Step by step, they gathered enough money to start their own business.
Due to the excess population and poor living conditions internet connection was nearly absent in Nigeria ten years ago. Those days future stars didn’t have social networking at their hand to use it as a promotion tool. In 2012 only 28,5% of the Nigerian population were Internet-users, and only 3,9% were registered on Facebook. They had their own ways of getting themselves known to people. For example, Korkormikor used to croon in the streets: people listened to him, and brought in their friends and neighbours.
Nearly all of the future Nigerian stars sang in churches from their early age. Joining a church choir was, perhaps, more common than attending a school. Those who didn’t sing in a choir were also occupied somehow. Rapper Flavour and Klever Jay both played drums in a church, gospel artist Mr Edwards a keyboard, Wizkid, if you can only imagine, used to rap in front of a congregation, J Martins played a variety of music instruments, and Oritse Femi preferred bass guitar.
For an aspiring musician it is always useful to have friend in the industry. Wizkid was noticed by OJB Jezreel at the early age. He was allowed to hang out around a studio, and to learn all the peculiarities of his future profession. He also met a lot of people who already found their way in music. DJ Frizzie’s first single was a jocular response to Wizkid’s Holla at Your Boy.
Many came to the music stage from various talent shows. There are many of them in Africa and abroad. M.I., now a renowned rapper, didn’t have any intentions of pursuing a singing career. He came to the US to become a businessman, but suddenly obtained a 3d place in a college hip hop show. A beautiful and sumptuous Omawumi won a singing competition in front of a million-plus auditorium. Mo’Cheddah, an embodiment of charm and a true free spirit, won every amateur competition when she was a little girl.
your own calling, and luck will come your way. Of course, a producer will never be superfluous, as one cannot have too much money. But then, you need at least one more thing. In other words, a promoter!
An interesting question then arises: where to get one, especially if you are poor? Promoters and money come together, such is the general rule. Besides, you have to persuade him you’re worth something; what if you don’t know this yourself? The answer is simple: use the internet. Create your own Facebook account, get a twitter, a blog, or register on Myspace, fill them with the details about yourself as a performer, or tell about your group. Upload some of your songs, videos, or other works to a server, and share the links via social networks. Ask your followers to give a feedback. (If your songs are not good enough, they will tell you gladly). Give free gigs wherever possible. Sneak into large events, such as various festivals, charity concerts and other such things. You won’t get any money out of it, but it will gain you a name. There is one fine example of a record company starting in a hairdresser’s shop. 11 years ago young and not so famous Banky W together with a group of friends used to hang out around beauty parlors. He entered and asked politely, would be alright if he and the other boys performed in front of the customers, and they proceeded to do exactly that when they were allowed. Step by step, they gathered enough money to start their own business.
Due to the excess population and poor living conditions internet connection was nearly absent in Nigeria ten years ago. Those days future stars didn’t have social networking at their hand to use it as a promotion tool. In 2012 only 28,5% of the Nigerian population were Internet-users, and only 3,9% were registered on Facebook. They had their own ways of getting themselves known to people. For example, Korkormikor used to croon in the streets: people listened to him, and brought in their friends and neighbours.
Nearly all of the future Nigerian stars sang in churches from their early age. Joining a church choir was, perhaps, more common than attending a school. Those who didn’t sing in a choir were also occupied somehow. Rapper Flavour and Klever Jay both played drums in a church, gospel artist Mr Edwards a keyboard, Wizkid, if you can only imagine, used to rap in front of a congregation, J Martins played a variety of music instruments, and Oritse Femi preferred bass guitar.
For an aspiring musician it is always useful to have friend in the industry. Wizkid was noticed by OJB Jezreel at the early age. He was allowed to hang out around a studio, and to learn all the peculiarities of his future profession. He also met a lot of people who already found their way in music. DJ Frizzie’s first single was a jocular response to Wizkid’s Holla at Your Boy.
Many came to the music stage from various talent shows. There are many of them in Africa and abroad. M.I., now a renowned rapper, didn’t have any intentions of pursuing a singing career. He came to the US to become a businessman, but suddenly obtained a 3d place in a college hip hop show. A beautiful and sumptuous Omawumi won a singing competition in front of a million-plus auditorium. Mo’Cheddah, an embodiment of charm and a true free spirit, won every amateur competition when she was a little girl.
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